I would like to take the opportunity to thank the entire Lake County Board of Supervisors for their recent adoption of the proclamation promoting tolerance, respect, equity and inclusion in Lake County at their regular meeting on Feb. 23, 2021.

Through a collaborative process with community members, staff and the Board, Lake County is, once again, at the forefront of communities around the nation taking a stance in this national crisis.

Besides it being (as best as I know) a first for board members to each read a section of a proclamation, which, to me, emphasizes their personal commitment to the contents, my understanding is that it was the first time a proclamation included action steps, which speaks highly of the board's commitment to prioritize solutions to these issues.

As was also noted during board discussion by Tina Scott, co-sponsor of the proclamation with Eddie (E.J.) Crandall, this is the most diverse board in Lake County history – something in itself to be celebrated.

It should also be noted that to fold in and prioritize these crucial issues whilst in the midst of a pandemic and recovery from numerous large scale disasters tells me this is a board committed to upholding our nation's greatest ideals equally for everyone in our community.

Anyone who has experienced any form of violence or inequity directed toward themselves, or a group they identify with – be it through race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability, or ethnicity, can feel a little bit safer in Lake County knowing these types of crimes against our citizens and democracy are not taken lightly here – and for that I am deeply grateful.

I look forward to seeing Lake County continue to help move our nation further toward a culture of care and inclusion and away from the antagonistic and violent 'othering' that is proving to be so disheartening and damaging to our country. I believe this is a powerful step toward that vision.

JoAnn Saccato, MA, lives in Cobb, California.